noun
girlish taste; fondness for cute/romantic things
Refers to a preference for things traditionally considered girlish: sweet, cute, romantic, or sentimental. Often used in contexts like hobbies, fashion, or media preferences. The parenthetical 'school' in the English gloss suggests it may be used in educational or youth contexts, but it is not strictly limited to school settings.
彼女の部屋は少女趣味で、ぬいぐるみやピンクの小物でいっぱいだ。
Her room is full of girlish taste, with stuffed animals and pink accessories everywhere.
あの映
That movie has a girlish, romantic story and might be boring for adult men.
noun
interest in young girls; attraction to young girls
Can imply a sexual or romantic interest in young girls, distinct from the innocent 'girlish taste' sense. Context is crucial; this sense may carry negative connotations. Use with caution.
彼の少女趣味は周囲から気味悪がられている。
His interest in young girls is seen as creepy by those around him.
ロリコン explicitly refers to a sexual attraction to young girls (Lolita complex) and is more direct and often pejorative. 少女趣味 can be ambiguous, covering both innocent girlish tastes and a problematic interest in young girls, depending on context.
乙女趣味 also means 'girlish taste' but uses 乙女 (maiden), which can sound more poetic or old-fashioned. 少女趣味 is more common and neutral for modern usage.
Compound of 少女 (shōjo, 'young girl') and 趣味 (shumi, 'taste, hobby'). The meaning follows directly from the components.